Hearing this...

Hearing this, Avicenna smiled and said to him (derisively), “Indeed, you have truly held your soul in high esteem by engaging yourself in such (lowly) work.” The sweeper stopped his work, turned to him and said, “I make my living by means of this lowly work so that I am not compelled to be under the obligation of the lofty Avicenna.”[^6] The Recitation of Surah Al-Waaqia’h A'bdullah Ibn Masu’d had been one of the close companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) and had developed into being a distinguished and zealous personality of Islam.

During the caliphate of U'thman, he suffered a bout of illness, which eventually resulted in his death. U'thman once came to pay him a visit and finding him distressed, asked, “What distresses you so greatly?” “My sins,” he answered. “Tell me your wish so that I can fulfill it for you.” “I desire God’s mercy”, replied Ibn Mas’ud. The caliph asked,“If you permit, I could call for the doctor”.

“It is the Doctor who has made me sick.” “If you want, I could present you with gifts from the Public Treasury.” Ibn Masu’d retorted, “At the time when I was in need, you did not give me a thing and now that I am not in need, you wish to shower me with presents!” U'thman insisted, “Let these gifts be for your daughters then.” “They are not in need of your presents,” Ibn Masu’d replied tersely.

39; Daastaan-ha-e-Paraakandeh; vol. 2, pg. 66. [^6]: Namunah-e-Ma'arif, vol. 1, pg. 162; Naameh-e-Daanishwaraan. [^7]: Daastaan-ha Wa Pand-ha, vol. 7, pg. 112; Majma’ al-Bayaan, vol. 9, pg. 211. Previous…